Which 2020 NBA Rookies have superstar potential?

LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball was heard about long before the draft. His basketball journey has been unique, to say the least. Ball comes from a basketball family of brothers – Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo – who played at the same high school together, Chino Hills High, and whose dad, LaVar Ball, is well-known for his public discourse on the game, including the highly-publicized idea that he could beat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one and that Lonzo is better than any and everybody.

The youngest of the three brothers, LaMelo, went straight to the pros in an international league, the NBL, after high school where he made a reputation for being a pure talent and a basketball phenom like his dad says. The uniqueness of Ball, though, isn’t just in this upbringing. It’s in what he has possessed since debuting in the NBA.

Ball’s basketball isn’t all about flash and fame since entering the NBA, that’s if he can help it. The basketball of LaMelo Ball is serious business, and being drafted No. 3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets instead of No. 1 and even 2 as many projected him proves it. The fact that Ball doesn’t start for the Hornets proves it. Rest assured, Ball has the keys to his future with his 6’8” frame at the point guard position along with scoring and playmaking abilities, which proves all of the questions.

Ball is NBA-ready, the readiest, to play professional basketball and watching him has shown that the league is in different hands. The franchise for which he plays under is going to help elevate him to the next level. He is already the superstar of it. LaMelo Ball is not only out to prove that he is a star talent, but that he is a franchise and team player who can win championships and flip the league upside down.

The Charlotte Hornets new star is currently averaging 12.2 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, leading a pack of rookies who possess an all-around game.

LaMelo Ball’s game is strong on the scoring and passing end right now, and he does it with ease, so IQ can be added to his list of strengths. That’s literally what he does in Hornets games: look for ways to score, make passes to his teammates, and is all-around helpful with his basketball mind. His weaknesses, then, should be slim and they are.

On defense is fun to watch, as he steals the ball and blocks shots, which is impressive, however, it teeters along the lines of defensive alertness and not exactly an equipped, stable defense. His shooting also isn’t exactly elite, rather, he throws the ball up and his natural talent allows it to follow through the basket.

The rookie point guard can add a more detailed or purposeful outlook to his shooting and defensive skills, which doesn’t just give him the occasional steal or shot, but that enables him to compete for 40 minutes and earn that starting nod against the others who specialize in those areas and will test him, including his own 3-point shooting brother, Lonzo.